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| Dear Friends of the EBC, Over the past weeks, the EBC has continued its engagement with European and Japanese stakeholders to advance dialogue on trade, sustainability, investment and business competitiveness. Meetings in Tokyo, Brussels and Paris provided valuable opportunities to strengthen institutional partnerships and ensure that the voice of European business in Japan remains part of key policy discussions. |
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| EBC Participation in the EU-Japan Domestic Advisory Group On 5 June in Brussels, the EBC met with Gunilla Fèvre-Burdy, Administrator of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) Secretariat within the External Relations Unit of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The exchange focused on the activities of the EU-Japan Domestic Advisory Group, a platform established under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement to monitor the implementation of the agreement’s Trade and Sustainable Development commitments. The EBC’s participation in the EU-Japan DAG has been renewed for the next mandate. The EBC has been represented in the DAG since July 2023 by Stéfan Le Dû, Chair of the EBC Sustainability Committee. Through his participation, European companies operating in Japan contribute practical business perspectives to discussions on sustainability, responsible business conduct and international trade. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring that trade agreements deliver tangible benefits while supporting sustainable economic growth. The EBC would like to thank Gunilla Fèvre-Burdy for the productive discussion and her continued support of the EU-Japan DAG process. |  |
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| Strengthening Cooperation with JETRO Paris On 10 June, the EBC met in Paris with Dr. Akihiko Tamura, Director General of JETRO Paris and Senior Advisor at the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI). The discussion explored the respective activities and priorities of the two organisations, as well as current international developments influencing business relations between Europe and Japan. As Japan’s trade and investment promotion agency, JETRO plays a central role in supporting foreign companies entering the Japanese market, promoting investment into Japan, and assisting Japanese businesses in their overseas expansion. The Paris office serves France, Portugal and the Maghreb region. The meeting highlighted the shared objective of creating favourable conditions for trade, investment, innovation and cross-border business development. As economic and geopolitical conditions continue to evolve, close cooperation between organisations supporting international business becomes increasingly important. The EBC extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Tamura for his warm welcome and insightful exchange. |  |
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| Policy Dialogue with the French Treasury The following day, on 11 June, the EBC met with Simon Geraux, Deputy Head of the Americas, Asia and Oceania Unit at the French Treasury Directorate General. The conversation provided an opportunity to present the EBC’s advocacy activities and discuss the business climate for European companies operating in Japan. Drawing on the expertise of its 24 sectoral and horizontal committees, the EBC continues to identify regulatory and administrative obstacles affecting business operations and to formulate recommendations aimed at improving market access and competitiveness. We also exchanged views on current perceptions of the Japanese market, examining both the opportunities available to European investors and exporters and the challenges they may encounter. Regular engagement between policymakers and the business community remains essential to fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and Japan. The EBC would like to thank Simon Geraux for his time and valuable insights. |  |
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| EBC Attends German Embassy Reception for Federal Minister Alois Rainer On 15 June 2026, the European Business Council had the pleasure of attending a reception hosted by the German Embassy in Tokyo on the occasion of the visit of Alois Rainer, Germany’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity. Representing the EBC at the event were Nikolaus Boltze, EBC President, and Bjorn Kongstad, EBC Chief Policy Officer, who joined government representatives, business leaders and stakeholders in celebrating the strong ties between Germany and Japan. Guests heard remarks from Ambassador Petra Sigmund and Minister Alois Rainer, highlighting the strong partnership between Germany and Japan in the agricultural and food sectors. A particular highlight of the evening was the speech and toast delivered in German by Norikazu Suzuki, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which was warmly received by attendees. The EBC was honoured to participate in this enjoyable event and looks forward to continued cooperation between Germany and Japan. |  |
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| Tokyo Metropolitan Government Resource Spotlight: Supporting International Talent in Tokyo For European companies expanding into Japan, navigating administrative procedures and supporting employees and their families in settling into a new living environment can be challenging. To address these needs, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government offers the English-speaking “International Residents Support Center TOKYO” (IRSC TOKYO), a free, one-stop support service for international residents in Tokyo. IRSC TOKYO assists foreign nationals and their families from the pre-arrival stage through to their establishment in Tokyo, with a primary focus on daily life support. Services include guidance on housing, administrative procedures, and practical assistance when dealing with government offices and financial institutions. The service is particularly relevant for foreign business professionals relocating to Tokyo, as well as companies considering market entry into Japan, and organisations such as embassies, chambers of commerce, and government-related institutions that support international talent. As Tokyo continues to strengthen its position as a global business hub, initiatives such as IRSC TOKYO help make relocation and daily life in Tokyo more accessible and comfortable for international talent and investors. For more information, please visit: International Residents Support Center TOKYO – Invest Tokyo – Tokyo Metropolitan Government An inquiry form is available here |
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| Upcoming Seminar: Financing Opportunities for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan On 10 July (14:00-15:00), the Manufacturing Industries Promotion Organization (MIPRO) will host an online seminar entitled: “How to Get Funded: Support for Business Start-ups by JFC-Micro” The session will feature Mr. Yuki Ishizaki, Chief of the International Cooperation Office at the Japan Finance Corporation (JFC). The seminar will provide practical guidance on accessing financing when starting a business in Japan, including: - Key criteria used by lenders when evaluating applications;
- Elements of an effective business plan;
- Common challenges faced by foreign entrepreneurs;
- Available support mechanisms for start-ups and small businesses.
This seminar may be of particular interest to entrepreneurs, investors and professionals considering establishing a business presence in Japan. Registration Alternatively, enquiries can be sent to: [email protected] |
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| The EBC remains committed to representing the interests of European companies in Japan through constructive engagement with policymakers, business organisations and institutional partners in both Europe and Japan. As economic security, sustainability and competitiveness continue to shape the global business landscape, the EBC will pursue opportunities to strengthen dialogue, support market access and promote a business environment that enables companies to thrive on both sides of the Europe-Japan partnership. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- Three major Japanese banks said Wednesday they will jointly issue a stablecoin in the current business year through next March for use in trading stocks and investment trusts at selected brokerages. MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Mizuho Bank also agreed to create a council to work out governance and other rules for the stablecoin, likely to be denominated in yen. (Kyodo News)
- Japan’s parliament enacted a revised law Wednesday to protect private-sector technologies considered critical to economic security such as those used in seabed cable installation and satellite launches. The revision of the economic security promotion act is aimed at strengthening supply chains and addressing growing economic risks, including those arising from China’s trade restrictions. (The Mainichi)
- The government has begun preparations for the establishment of a new organization to support the nation’s defense industry through measures including the promotion of defense equipment exports, several government sources said. The new entity will likely take the form of an independent administrative agency whose activities will involve public-private partnerships and cross-ministry cooperation. (The Japan News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | June 17 (Wednesday) | Materials | Hybrid
1730~ | | June 18 (Thursday) | Telecommunications Equipment | Hybrid
1000~ | | June 22 (Monday) | Liquor | Hybrid
0830~ | | June 22 (Monday) | Government Relations | Hybrid
1400~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Insurance | Online
0800~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Food & Agriculture | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | June 30 (Tuesday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 1 (Wednesday) | Insurance | EBC
1300~ | | July 7 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | July 9 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | July 16 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 23 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | August 27 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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